The First Nations community has a new place to gather and celebrate in their beautiful, new center at the University of Victoria, B.C. Christened the <a href="http://web.uvic.ca/fphouse/" target="_blank">'First People's House'</a>, the structure designed by <a href="http://www.alfredwaugh.com/firstpeoples.html" target="_blank">Alfred Waugh Architects</a> is a post and beam construction inspired by traditional Coast Salish longhouses. Clad in salvaged western red cedar and partially topped with a <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/green-roof" target="_blank">green roof</a>, the new center provides educational space, a ceremonial hall, offices and a student union catering to the native students - or "Canada's First Peoples" - at the university. Moreover, the community center and student hall is already targeting LEED Gold certification.

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First People's House

The new community center was designed and built to provide space for the native students at the University of Victoria.

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First People's House

The design of the building was inspired by traditional native people's architecture, particularly Coast Salish longhouses.

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First People's House

The building includes a student union, elders lounges, study areas, classrooms and ceremonial spaces.

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First People's House

The long house features three distinct forms: the ceremonial hall, adminstrative offices and classroom space.

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First People's House

The surrounding landscape is planted with native trees and vegetation, including Garry oak and Douglas-fir trees.

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First People's House

A long curtain wall on both the north and south side of the building allow natural daylight to permeate the space.

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First People's House

A large sloping roof drains water into a storm water retention pond.

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First People's House

Natural ventilation and materials from local sources play a key roll in the design of the facility.

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First People's House

The ceremonial hall is used for special events for the community and graduation ceremonies for the students.

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First People's House

Large skylights in the center of the hall let in natural light and the room includes a large fireplace and bleacher seating on both sides of the hall

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First People's House

Alfred Waugh, who designed the facility is of Chipweyan descent, and his firm has three Aboriginal architects, who assisted with the design.

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First People's House

The educational facility was officially opened in January of 2010.

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First People's House

The First Nations community has a new place to gather and celebrate in their beautiful, new center at the University of Victoria, B.C. Christened the 'First People's House', the structure designed by Alfred Waugh Architects is a post and beam construction inspired by traditional Coast Salish longhouses. Clad in salvaged western red cedar and partially topped with a green roof, the new center provides educational space, a ceremonial hall, offices and a student union catering to the native students - or "Canada's First Peoples" - at the university. Moreover, the community center and student hall is already targeting LEED Gold certification.